正当(せいとう)

せいとう
na-adjective, noun
legitimate, just, rightful
1. legitimate, just, rightful, fair
Conforming to what is right, reasonable, or lawful. Used to describe actions, claims, or evaluations that are considered proper and justified.
正当(せいとう)な理由(りゆう)がなければ欠席(けっせき)できない。
You cannot be absent without a legitimate reason.
彼女(かのじょ)の努力(どりょく)は正当(せいとう)に評価(ひょうか)されるべきだ。
Her efforts should be fairly evaluated.
正当(せいとう)防衛(ぼうえい)として認(みと)められるかどうかは裁判所(さいばんしょ)が判断(はんだん)する。
Whether it is recognized as self-defense is decided by the court.

USAGE:
Used as a na-adjective (正当(せいとう)な) to modify nouns, or adverbially with に (正当(せいとう)に). Very common in legal, ethical, and formal contexts.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 正当(せいとう)な理由(りゆう): legitimate reason
  • 正当(せいとう)な権利(けんり): rightful claim/right
  • 正当(せいとう)防衛(ぼうえい): self-defense (legal term)
  • 正当(せいとう)に評価(ひょうか)する: to evaluate fairly
  • 正当(せいとう)な手段(しゅだん): legitimate means

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 正統(せいとう): orthodox, authentic (same reading but different kanji — refers to tradition/lineage rather than fairness)
  • 適正(てきせい): proper, appropriate (more about correctness of procedure)
  • 妥当(だとう): reasonable, valid (emphasizes being sensible rather than morally right)
general
Added 2026.2.24 15:08
13000/13191_seitou